best resort to visit in hawaii

Top 25 Resorts in Hawaii: Readers’ Choice Awards 2023

View all of the  2023 Reader’s Choice Awards winners here .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Hannah Lee Leidy

Rachel Chang

Matt Ortile

Meaghan Kenny

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

Montage Kapalua Bay

Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott, Maui

Turtle Bay Resort

Hotel Wailea

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Royal Lahaina Resort

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Fairmont Orchid Hawaii

Fairmont Kea Lani

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

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The 10 Best Hawaiʻi Resorts

Beach enclaves, wellness getaways, green retreats: these are the 10 best resorts in the hawaiian islands..

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A suite with a view of the ocean at the Fairmont Kea Lani

Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani

There are many reasons why travelers are drawn again and again to the Hawaiian islands, whether it’s the natural beauty of the beaches and rainforests or the blend of rich cultures that go back centuries. The best resorts here offer visitors myriad ways to connect more deeply with the archipelago’s cultural heritage and magnificent landscapes.

As part of our Hotels We Love series, we’ve gathered a list of our 10 all-time favorite places to stay in the Hawaiian islands. In this collection of retreats below—listed in no particular order—you’ll find resorts that excel in various experiences, from well-being to family travel.

1. Turtle Bay Resort

All accommodations at Turtle Bay Resort have ocean views.

Courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort

• Location: Kahuku, O‘ahu
• Why we love it: A sanctuary on the North Shore that embraces sustainable practices

On Oʻahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort’s 408 guest rooms and suites and 42 private Ocean Bungalows are decorated in light wood and earth tones and have ocean views. Sea and land are a central part of the hotel experience: Learn to surf with a lesson at the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, take a kayak tour to spy sea turtles, golf on the 18-hole championship Arnold Palmer course, or go horseback riding along the beach. Guests have walking-distance access to seven secluded beaches and three on-site pools.

The staff’s commitment to environmental sustainability is apparent everywhere: Meals are prepared with leafy greens, beets, and other crops from the resort’s own Kuilima Farm, a plot of land five minutes from the hotel, and the golf course is maintained with gray water treated by the resort’s own plant. From $779

Related: This Amazing Resort on O‘ahu Is Your Go-To Spot for Nature, Surfing, and More

2. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort

The Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927.

Courtesy of the Royal Hawaiian

• Location: Waikīkī, O‘ahu
• Why we love it: A grande dame on Waikīkī Beach
• Loyalty program: Marriott Bonvoy

Built in the Roaring Twenties and dubbed the “Pink Palace” for its pink Spanish Moorish exterior, the Royal Hawaiian ushered in a new glamorous age of Waikīkī Beach. Located on the former playground for such royals as King Kamehameha I, the oceanfront resort endures as a neighborhood grande dame. Its breezy portico lined with rocking chairs and garden pathways lit by torches are a reminder that the romance of old Waikīkī lives on.

The 528 rooms, including 33 suites, feature vintage koa furnishings and historic photographs of Waikīkī. Start your day with the famous Pink Palace Pancakes at Surf Lanai before lounging by the pools, or reserve a private chaise lounge and umbrella set on Waikīkī Beach. In the evening, get a drink at the buzzy Mai Tai Bar and follow it with a seafood-forward, four-course tasting menu at beachfront restaurant Azure. From $459

3. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

A Deluxe Ocean View Suite at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Courtesy of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

• Location: Kamuela, Island of Hawaiʻi
• Why we love it: The social vibe and all-ages cultural and beach activities

On the sun-soaked Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani ’s 333 guest rooms, including 36 suites, have hardwood floors, natural fabrics, and private lanais with either mountain or ocean views. Guests in search of cultural knowledge can visit the resort’s Hale ʻI’ike (house of knowledge), which displays traditional Hawaiian artifacts like shark tooth weapons and holds regular ukelele jams.

Visitors can also take a family-friendly guided petroglyph hike in the nearby Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, or get closer to the Pacific Ocean by snorkeling or deep sea fishing. Golf fans flock to Mauna Lani’s world-class North and South courses, while three pools are ideal for lounging. The five on-site restaurants and lounges range from beachfront CanoeHouse, with Japanese-inspired dishes, to the toes-in-the-sand Surf Shack for poke and fish tacos. From $1,099

4. Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort

A guest room at Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, on the Island of Hawai’i

Courtesy of Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort

• Location: Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaiʻi
• Why we love it: A reborn icon that embraces cultural sustainability

Along the shores of Kahuwai Bay on the Kona Coast, Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , recently reopened after a devastating tsunami in 2011 destroyed the resort. Today, Kona Village pays homage to the centuries-long legacy of local land stewardship under the guidance of a cultural committee. A cultural center pays tribute to sacred archaeological sites and anchialine pools (enclosed ponds with an underground connection to the ocean).

The 150 guest hales , or rooms, which range from one to four bedrooms, feature large lanais and outdoor showers. Home to the largest privately owned microgrid in the state, Kona Village is capable of operating fully on renewable energy and solar power. The resort has an on-site farm for the four bars and restaurants, which highlight Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine. Sybarites can take advantage of the integrative wellness program at Asaya Spa or the four outdoor pools. Don’t miss Kona Village’s thoughtful cultural experiences; they include a sunrise outrigger canoe paddle and sailing lessons from modern-day Polynesian voyagers. From $1,800

5. Fairmont Kea Lani

The Kilohana Corner Suites at Fairmont Kea Lani have lanais with wraparound views of the Pacific Ocean.

• Location: Wailea, Maui
• Why we love it: A family-friendly retreat with large rooms
• Loyalty program: Accor Live Limitless

Of all the accommodations in Maui’s Wailea resort community, the Fairmont Kea Lani is one of the most family-friendly options. The property’s 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two-story villas are among the largest on the island—the smallest suites start at 860 square feet, while the two-and three-bedroom villas start at 1,800 square feet. Family-friendly features include separate sleeping and living areas, furnished outdoor spaces, sleeper sofas, and kitchen facilities, while villas encourage group gatherings with plunge pools and grills for barbecuing.

In December 2023, the resort added the open-air Hale Kukuna with guidance from the resort’s cultural advisory board. Located in a prominent area next to the lobby, it’s now the island’s largest resort-based cultural center and hosts events like lei making and displays works by Native Hawaiian artisans.

Two lagoon-style pools are connected by a 140-foot waterslide, while an adults-only pool offers more tranquility. Guests can also enjoy outrigger canoe journeys and locally inspired treatments at the Willow Stream Spa. The five on-site restaurants include a new oceanfront bar and lounge, Pilina, with sustainably sourced sushi. From $1,149

6. Montage Kapalua Bay

Montage Kapalua Bay is in Lahaina, on Maui’s northwestern shore.

Courtesy of Montage Kapalua Bay

• Location: Lahaina , Maui
• Why we love it: Residential-style accommodations that face the ocean
• Loyalty program: I Prefer (Preferred Hotels & Resorts)

Montage Kapalua Bay , located on an ocean-facing cliff on the island’s northwestern shore, impresses right from the entrance, where tranquil koi ponds lead to an array of pools and waterfalls at the center of the resort. The 70 residential-style accommodations feature kitchens with marble countertops and wine refrigerators; deep-soaking tubs and walk-in showers; and washers and dryers.

Activities include tropical hikes and paddleboarding excursions, while Spa Montage offers a range of services, such as a marine-based body exfoliation treatment in an outdoor pavilion. Cane & Canoe, one of four restaurants, serves a seafood-centric menu with mostly local ingredients (kauai prawns; hamachi aguachile; vadouvan curry with vegetables grown in the islands). From $1,500

7. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

The open-air lobby lanai at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

• Location: Kapalua, Maui
• Why we love it: A sprawling cliffside retreat with standout family programming

On cliffs overlooking Honokahua Bay, the secluded Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is set on 22,000 acres among towering trees. The 468 guest rooms, suites, and residences all have private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows and are decorated in sand tones with blue and green accents and custom wood finishes. Introduced in 2023, the 33 Fire Lanai Collection rooms and suites have extended lanais with private firepits and large dining tables.

If you’re here during whale season (December through April), you can spy them all day long from the resort grounds. Consider a family-friendly coastal hike, snorkeling session, or e-bike tour with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment education program (or just lounge in a cabana near the resort’s massive, three-tiered pool). Golfers eager to test their skills can choose between two 18-hole courses set on a historic pineapple plantation. From $899

8. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

A bathroom in the Napali Penthouse suite at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Courtesy of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

• Location: Princeville, Kauaʻi
• Why we love it: A wellness-focused retreat with sustainability at its core
• Loyalty program: Mission by 1 Hotels

An oceanside sanctuary overlooking Kauaʻi’s North Shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is serious about sustainability. The resort has roofs that reduce and filter storm water runoff, has replaced non-native and invasive species on property with endemic and Polynesian-introduced vegetation, and uses furniture made from salvaged wood.

The 252 rooms (51 are suites) are clad in floors fashioned by hand from local black basalt, decorated with reclaimed teak and abaca furniture, and outfitted with traditional punai daybeds. The property’s expansive Wellness Center combines an 18,000-square-foot Bamford Wellness Spa with a 10,000 square-foot Anatomy fitness center. Drop in at any of the seven restaurants that focus on sustainable food sourcing, including Welina Terrace for such Japanese-inspired shared plates as chili hamachi and shrimp tempura. From $1,200

9. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

A Pool Suite living room at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

• Location: Koloa, Kauaʻi
• Why we love it: A laid-back resort in a sunny corner of Kauaʻi
• Loyalty program: World of Hyatt

The low-rise Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is tucked among lagoon-style pools and tropical gardens on Kauaʻi’s sunny South Shore. Its 605 rooms and suites are styled in coral, blue, and sand hues with ample wood accents and include a private lanai and spacious marble bath. Between snacking on bar-side sushi or dining at an open-air seafood and steak restaurant, guests can book experiences like ʻohe kapala (Hawaiian stamping) at the cultural center. For those who want to give back, the resort’s Enrich program offers volunteer opportunities ranging from beach cleanups to walking shelter dogs. From $749

10. Sensei Lānaʻi, a Four Seasons Resort

Sensei Lana’i, a Four Seasons Resort is located in the island’s green interior.

Courtesy of Sensei Lana’i, a Four Seasons Resort

• Location: Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi
• Why we love it: An adults-only wellness retreat in Lānaʻi’s green interior

Tucked in the green heart of the island amid tranquil meditation gardens and an enviable art collection, the adults-only Sensei Lānaʻi, a Four Seasons Resort , weaves together personalized wellness programs with consultations, spa treatments, fitness classes, lectures, and island adventures—not to mention daily dining from Nobu .

The 96 guest rooms are done in soothing creams tans and have views of towering pine trees or sculpture-filled lush gardens. Spa treatments happen in private hales with indoor and outdoor showers, infrared saunas, Japanese ofuro bathtubs, and private plunge pools. Lounge by the pool or enjoy island activities, sometimes shared with guests from sister property Four Seasons Lānaʻi. At Sensei by Nobu, sample dishes that incorporate the property’s nutritional philosophy as well as Nobu classics (miso marinated black cod, anyone?). From $1,080

Best Hawaii All-Inclusive Hotels

Travassa Hana is our top choice

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

A trip to Hawaii offers the chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, a rich and storied culture, and so much more. Booking the right accommodations can help ensure a stellar experience, and going with an all-inclusive hotel eliminates the guesswork. All that’s left to do is lay back and enjoy the amenities, like the beach, pool, spa, fitness center, and more. 

Unfortunately, Hawaii doesn’t have any hotels that are officially all-inclusive, but many offers overlooked packages that make it pretty close to having outstanding amenities without much hassle. These packages include perks like on-property dining and activities to make your vacation as breezy as the tradewinds. We considered factors such as on-site amenities and off-site perks while putting together this list.

The 9 Best Hawaii All-inclusive Resorts of 2024

• Best Overall: Four Seasons Oahu at Koolina
• Best Amenities: The Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
• Best for Wellness: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
• Best for Families: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Koolina
• Most Romantic: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali
• Best Luxury: Halekulani Hotel
• Best Beach: Royal Lahaina Resort
• Best Deal: Royal Kona Resort
• Best Location: Four Seasons Resort Lanai
• Best for Golf: The Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai
• Our Top Picks
• Four Seasons Oahu at Koolina
• The Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
• Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
• Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Koolina
• The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali
• Halekulani Hotel
• Royal Lahaina Resort
• Royal Kona Resort
• Four Seasons Resort Lanai
• The Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai
• See More (7)

Final Verdict

Compare the best hawaii all-inclusive hotels, methodology, best overall : four seasons oahu at koolina.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, the Four Seasons O’ahu at Ko’olina is located on Oahu’s sunny leeward coast and offers everything you’d want to enjoy Hawaii, plus unparalleled views of the sunset.

Four outdoor pools, salt water lagoon, free paddle board and snorkeling gear rentals, spa, fitness center, nearby golf course

World-class dining

Beach access

Adults-only infinity pool

Hawaiian healing-inspired spa

Free kids’ program

Cultural workshops

Roundtrip airport shuttle

Far from central Honolulu

Overnight valet parking is $48

Four Seasons O’ahu at Ko’olina was voted North America’s Leading Beach Resort in 2021, and upon arrival, it’ll take mere minutes to realize why. Although the property isn’t as sprawling as some other resorts in Hawaii, it doesn’t need to be. Guests can partake in just about any activity in this paradise away from the city through the Four Seasons’ #FSWayfinders program. Guests get exclusive access to a curated collection of immersive experiences that reflect the beauty and history of Hawaii. The program includes artisan workshops that focus on teaching Hawaiian culture, sunrise hikes to Ka’ena Point , and a sailing excursion along the western coastline. 

For dining, a must-visit is the James Beard award-winning Chef Michael Mina’s Mina’s Fish House restaurant, which has its own fish sommelier to guide you through the daily seafood. To start your day off right, the resort offers a Bed and Breakfast package, which includes a daily breakfast buffet for two at the La Hiki Kitchen restaurant. 

Best Amenities : The Grand Wailea Maui , a Waldorf Astoria Resort

As one of the most iconic Hawaiian resorts, the Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort is steeped in Hawaiian heritage and provides guests with an island retreat. 

Nine outdoor pools (from an adults-only pool to one with a water slide), beach access and umbrellas, fitness classes, a spa, cultural activities like hula lessons, free beach cruiser bikes

Seven on-site dining venues

Myriad activities for all ages

Gorgeous gardens with over 600 species of plants

Pet-friendly 

Cultural classes

Recently renovated

Some may find the property too big

Valet parking is $65 daily per car

No self-parking

Spanning 40 acres, the sprawling resort is like a paradisal playground where guests can choose between island adventures or relaxing under the sun. Guests can book off-property adventures, like full-day hikes or off-road ATVs, or take it easy and ride a beach cruiser along the stunning Wailea Beach.

The Sweeten Your Stay package lets you take full advantage of the resort and includes a $ 100-a-night credit to use on dining, the spa, or shops.

Best for Wellness : Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is an intimate, stylish hotel that takes advantage of its idyllic location on Wailea Beach.

Four outdoor pools, a fitness center, spa, five on-site places to dine

Four pools, including three cascading infinity pools

1900-square-foot luxury villas

Five on-site dining options

Great location

Pet-friendly

Valet parking is $45 a day

With 15 beachfront acres, the Andaz Maui has 321 rooms, 35 suites, and 31 luxury villas that come with charming island views, perfect for a relaxing vacation. Most standard rooms feature a rain shower and lanai – or porch. Suites feature separate living areas with better views and villas come with gourmet Miele kitchens, private outdoor spaces, hot tubs, grills, and plunge pools. Guests who stay in villas also receive daily resort credit ranging from $100 to $200, in addition to complimentary breakfast and paddle board lessons. 

If the weather permits, oceanfront rooms may even offer guests a glimpse of Kahoolawe and Molokai islands along the ocean’s horizon. Those wishing to partake in self-care can sign up for the Namaste in the Villas package. Guests staying in one of the villas receive five 60-minute massages, five private fitness classes for two, and a 30-minute mai tai cart brought to their villa. They also get daily breakfast, complimentary valet, and a resort credit with the villa purchase.

Best for Families : Aulani , a Disney Resort & Spa in Koolina

All ages are bound to enjoy the myriad amenities and energy at the Aulani Resort on Oahu’s leeward side, voted the #1 Best Hotel or Resort for Families in 2018 by Hawaii Magazine readers.

Multitude of free activities, six pool areas, a private beach, Aunty’s Beach House Kids Club

No resort fee

Meet the Disney characters

Numerous free activities

18,000-square-foot spa

Shuttle service to popular destinations on the island

Self-parking and valet costs $37 per day

Not pet-friendly 

The perfect place for a family vacation, the Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Koolina combines Disney magic with the beauty of Hawaii. Families can take advantage of beach activities like sand-sculpture building, and pool activities including an 8,200-square-foot tunnel body slide. 

The resort also offers relaxing moments for adults;  the Laniwai, the massive full-service spa, n has an outdoor hydrotherapy garden and was voted one of the best spas to pamper mom in 2015 by USA Today . 

Most Romantic : The Westin Maui Resort & Spa , Kaanapali

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali is set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Kaanapali Beach on Maui, a long stretch of white sand and aquamarine water.

The award-winning spa, beachfront cabanas, six pools totaling 87,000 square feet

Five on-site restaurants

Pools to satisfy adults and families with kids

Valet parking is $30 a day

With an indoor-outdoor design and oceanfront location, guests get to take in the salty air at all hours of the day—that is, when they’re not relaxing in their bright, modern rooms.

Cascading waterfalls, lush foliage, and the sound of crashing waves make this hotel perfect for couples. The Celebrate Romance package comes with a couple’s 50-minute massage and dinner for two at Waicoco, a restaurant serving up Hawaii cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. The package also includes access to The Lanai, an exclusive space offering a private bar, shallow cocktail pool, plunge pool, and more.

Best Luxury : Halekulani Hotel

For over a century, the Halekulani Hotel has provided guests with a luxurious refuge in the bustling heart of Waikiki. The prestigious beachfront hotel has won many accolades, such as the Four Diamond Hotel Award by the American Automobile Association and the #1 Resort in Hawaii by Travel + Leisure . Its restaurants, La Mer and Orchids, have also won awards from Hawaii Magazine , Wine Spectator and Forbes Travel Guide .

Award-winning spa, world-class dining, pool that overlooks Waikiki

World-class dining inspired by the islands

Short walk to Waikiki strip

Modern fitness center

No resort fees

Free access to museums and other cultural destinations

Intimate beach access

Lack of kids’ activities

Valet and self-parking costs $35 a day

Not pet-friendly

It’s impossible not to feel like you’re in the lap of luxury at the Halekulani. Besides the superior amenities and location, the hotel boasts a high staff-to-guest ratio so you know you’ll be pampered right. 

Guest rooms offer a sense of serenity with plush pillows and calm blue hues. The hotel offers a range of activities: Try a guided spearfishing adventure on a chartered boat that ends with a chef cooking up the fresh catch or take a property tour with the hotel’s historian. For the most high-end experience, guests can purchase the Suite Life package, which includes a specially curated dinner for two by the La Mer Chef de Cuisine, daily breakfast for two, a suite floral arrangement, and roundtrip airport SUV transfers. 

Best Beach : Royal Lahaina Resort

Royal Lahaina

To truly experience what top-rated Kaanapali Beach has to offer, book a stay at the Royal Lahaina Resort, a long-time mainstay right on the beach.

Two swimming pools, beachfront property, oceanfront cottages, home to one of the top Maui luaus

On-site spa and fitness center

Outdoor tennis courts

Easy access to Lahaina

Beautiful gardens

Steps from the beach

Only one on-site restaurant

Entry-level rooms are in the adjacent Kaanapali Ocean Inn

Hotel features are known to be outdated

Kaanapali Beach is known to have it all: swimmable turquoise waters, a cliff jumping spot, and even some surf breaks. In 2017, TripAdvisor ranked the 3-mile-long stretch of sand as the No. 2 Best Beach in the United States. Oceanfront cottages and guest rooms with scalloped lanais at the Royal Lahaina Resort offer some of the best views on the island. During the winter, you may catch humpback whales migrating.

Guests can experience the beauty of West Maui thanks to the hotel’s many offerings. Explore the resort and beach with the High Five, Hang Ten package, offering a fifth free night and a $150 resort credit to use toward beach activities, like kayak or paddleboard rentals. 

Best Deal : Royal Kona Resort

Just mere footsteps from the bustling Kona town, the Royal Kona Resort is perched right on the water’s edge and immerses guests in the majesty of Hawaii Island.

Private saltwater lagoon, oceanside restaurant and bar

Short walk to Kona town

Tennis courts

Fitness center 

Island specialists to coordinate activities

Cultural activities

Daily yoga classes

Small swimming pool

Dated guest rooms

It’s easy to relax at the Royal Kona Resort, given the stunning architecture and equally majestic views. Built in 1968, the resort is an iconic part of the Hawaii Island shoreline.

The hotel curates activities that are special to Hawaii Island, such as nighttime manta ray dives, trips to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and helicopter tours. The Royal Experience Package is ideal for first-time visitors to Hawaii or those wanting to experience it all: It includes daily breakfast for two, a deluxe oceanfront room, a sunset dinner cruise, and tickets for the Voyagers of the Pacific luau.

Best Location : Four Seasons Resort Lanai

The elegant Four Seasons Resort Lanai is perched on a bluff overlooking a bay where spinner dolphins and humpback whales play is. 

Nine bars and restaurants, world-class spa, one of the state’s best golf courses

Immaculate gardens

Cultural program

Top-of-the-line fitness center

Complimentary kid’s program

Sprawling property may be too big for some

A small, mostly uninhabited island just 9 miles away from Maui, Lanai offers secluded escapes and rugged adventures. Clocking in at 90,000 acres, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai is an island escape for travelers seeking unspoiled natural beauty. 

Those wanting to take in all that Lanai has to offer should book the Discover Lanai package, which includes a daily resort credit that can be used for horseback riding or dining, and roundtrip flights between Honolulu and Lanai. 

Best for Golf : The Four Seasons Resort , Hualalai

In Kona on Hawaii Island, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a secluded oasis-like property situated between the Pacific Ocean, dramatic lava rock, and pristine beaches. This hotel is the only one in the state that’s a Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Rated Resort.

Seven pools including a swimmable aquarium, world-class golf course, premiere spa, restaurants focused on locally-sourced ingredients

Free self-parking

Located on the beach

Beach is rocky

The list of activities at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai feels infinite. Guests can book private helicopter tours, kayaks, sub wing experiences, whale-watching tours, and more. Those who want to hit the green are sure to be impressed by the resort’s Jack Nicklaus-designed, 18-hole golf course, which is only accessible to resort guests and Hualalai residents. Play beside black lava rock and tropical flora with views of the ocean. The Unlimited Golf Package allows unlimited golf and includes free breakfast for two.

Hawaii offers travelers  an ideal balance of adventure and relaxation. Think impressive waterfall hikes and some of the most stunning beaches. To fully take advantage of the islands, visitors should keep the planning to a minimum so they can max out on their fun in the sun. Although no all-inclusive resorts exist in Hawaii, many hotels offer a multitude of amenities and great packages to help guests save money and time. High-end resorts like the Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai, have serious amenities to keep guests of all ages occupied while the Royal Kona Resort is more budget-friendly and can help you explore Hawaii Island.

We evaluated over two dozen resorts in Hawaii that offer either extensive amenities to guests or packages for purchase. Since there are no actual all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii, we considered features that comprise the all-inclusive experience, such as dining options, on-site amenities (beach access, pools, spas), and off-site perks (airport shuttle, hiking excursions). In determining this list, we also evaluated customer reviews, the resort’s reputation, and any accolades it received. 

jimkruger / Getty Images

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19 of the best places to visit in Hawaii

Mar 5, 2024 • 13 min read

Narrow down your Hawaii hit list with these top places to visit © Fly View Productions / Getty Images

No matter what you're looking for in a vacation – adventure, relaxation, romance, cultural experiences, food – Hawaii has it all.

Every island has its own kind of vibe, from the laid-back serenity of Kauaʻi to the bustling beach towns of Maui. There are so many unique experiences , too, like hiking to an active volcano on Hawaiʻi Island and watching monster surf crash on Oʻahu's North Shore.

With so many options, here's a shortcut to the best experiences you can have in the Aloha State.

1. Waikiki, Oʻahu

Waikiki on Oʻahu's sunny south shore is the state's most famous resort town. Over the years, the neighborhood has evolved to be less kitschy and more authentic. Hotels offer lei-making classes in their open-air lobbies, and traditional hula is showcased on the tiki torch-lit hula mound on Kuhio Beach . Take surfing lessons from modern-day beach boys or indulge in afternoon tea at the historic Moana Surfrider . Some of the island's best restaurants are located in Waikiki, too.

Planning tip : The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has been putting on a fireworks show every Friday night since 1988 (bar the pandemic years). Bring a picnic dinner and find a spot on the beach to watch the skies light up. The show starts at 7:45pm during the winter and 8pm in the summer.

Explore more of O'ahu with this ultimate long weekend itinerary

2. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi Island

The 323,431-acre Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island is a place unlike anywhere else in Hawaii (or the US). This is one of the few places in the world where you can drive up to safely view an active volcano. Kilauea , an active shield volcano, had been, up until 2018, continuously erupting and altering the landscape since 1983. It's currently not active , but that can change any day. The national park – one of five on the Big Island – stretches from sea level to the summit of the 13,679ft Mauna Loa , one of the largest volcanoes in the world. Trek along one of dozens of hiking routes in the park and see old lava flows and tubes, steam vents, and native trees and birds.

Detour : Stop at Volcano Village, a rustic town in the middle of a lush rainforest filled with native hapuʻu fern and 'ōhiʻa trees just outside the park. You can find quaint vacation rentals here, a handful of restaurants, a farmers market on Sundays, a small winery that sells locally produced wine, an orchid farm and the Volcano Art Center , a working arts studio and gallery.

Save our complete first-timer's guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

3. The Island of Molokaʻi

Undeveloped and often overlooked, Molokaʻi offers some of the most unique experiences of any of the Hawaiian Islands. Spanning 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point, this island – the fifth largest in Hawaii – is home to the world's tallest sea cliffs, the longest waterfall in the Islands and one of the state's largest white-sand beaches, Papohaku Beach . 

There are no big resorts or traffic lights here; instead, you'll find the windswept Moʻomomi Dunes, the 2744-acre Kamakou Preserve with its unique montane bog, and the secluded Kalaupapa Peninsula, once an isolated community of patients with Hansen's disease. Stop at Kanemitsu Bakery in Kaunakakai for freshly made Molokaʻi sweet bread right out of the oven.

4. Hana, Maui

The 53-mile Hana Highway – also known as the Road to Hana – is as scenic as it is winding. The road twists across 59 mostly one-lane bridges, along plunging cliffs, past waterfalls and around 620 turns to the unspoiled town of Hana on Maui's northeast coast. The drive itself – which can take several hours – is part of the journey. Once in Hana, enjoy hala tree-lined Hamoa Beach , sunbathe at Waiʻānapanapa State Park's black-sand beach, or hike to the 400ft Waimoku Falls in the Kīpahulu end of Haleakalā National Park . 

Planning tip : If you're planning to visit Waiʻānapanapa State Park,  you'll have to book reservations , which can be made up to 30 days in advance. It costs $5 per person and $10 for parking per non-commercial vehicle.

5. Nāpali Coast, Kauaʻi

The towering green cliffs of the fabled Nāpali Coast rise 2000ft from the ocean and stretch 15 miles along Kauaʻi's rugged northern coastline. You can experience these verdant valleys and razor-edged cliffs aboard a catamaran, on a kayak, from a helicopter or along the 11-mile Kalalau Trail.

Planning tip : To get to Keʻe Beach , the start of the Kalalau Trail, you'll need to make advance reservations to enter Hāʻena State Park. It costs $5 for out-of-state visitors to enter the park, $10 for each car.

6. North Shore, Oʻahu

In winter – from November to February – some of the world's best surfers (and thousands of spectators) flock to Oʻahu's North Shore and its 7 miles of famous breaks, from Banzai Pipeline to Sunset Beach . Once in a while, the waves are big enough (consistently larger than 40ft, measured from the front of the wave) at Waimea Bay to hold the prestigious, invite-only Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitation. Summer brings calmer ocean conditions, great for swimming and snorkeling. The colorful beach town of Haleʻiwa features cute boutiques, eateries and the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice shop.

Detour : To get a bird's-eye view of this famous coastline, take the 2-mile ʻEhukai Pillbox hike. The trail climbs the side of the northern Koʻolau Mountains to WWII bunkers that offer panoramic views of the entire North Shore coastline.

7. Haleakalā National Park, Maui

Catching the sunrise at the top of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano that rises to 10,023ft above sea level, is one of the most popular activities on Maui. Reservations are required for sunrise – and the fee doesn't include entrance into the national park – and can be hard to get. Consider viewing the sunset instead and staying for the night sky. The park also has numerous hiking trails through otherworldly landscapes and the chance to see the endangered ʻāhinahina (silversword) and nēnē (Hawaiian goose), the state bird.

Planning tip : The park offers pristine dark skies – with minimal light pollution – perfect for stargazing. Temperatures can drop quickly at the summit, so dress warmly and bring layers. You'll also want to bring your own snacks, as there are no food or drinks available in the park.

8. Hanalei, Kauaʻi

On Kauaʻi's quiet north shore is the sleepy town of Hanalei , marked by emerald green mountains, kalo loʻi (flooded taro fields) and some of the island's best beaches, including the breathtaking Hanalei Bay with its historic pier. Browse art galleries and boutiques, eat fresh poke from Hanalei Poke and plant-based taro doughnuts from Holey Grail, and walk around a farmers market.

Detour : About 2 miles west of Hanalei Bay is Lumahaʻi Beach , made famous by the 1958 classic film South Pacific . This is where Mitzi Gaynor spent her time "washing that man right out of her hair."

9. Maunakea, Hawaiʻi Island

Maunakea , or "white mountain," is, at 13,802ft above sea level, the world's tallest mountain when measured from its base. (More than half, or 19,698ft, of Maunakea lies underwater, making it 33,500ft from base to summit.) It's considered one of the most sacred of all Hawaiʻi volcanoes and is known by Native Hawaiians as a region of the gods. It's also a hub of astronomical observation with more than a dozen massive telescopes from around the world. You can book guided stargazing tours with outfitters like Hawaiʻi Forest & Trail .

Detour : In April,  Hilo , which is about 30 minutes west of Maunakea, hosts the annual Merrie Monarch Festival , a competitive hula festival featuring some of the state's best dancers and performers. You have to book tickets in advance to attend the event, but the craft show, which is a huge draw, is open to the public.

10. Pearl Harbor, Oʻahu

Known for the 1941 attack on the USS Arizona , which launched the US into WWII, Pearl Harbor draws millions of visitors each year to the memorial erected in honor of the 1102 men who are still entombed in the metal hull of the battleship. You can catch a boat to the USS Arizona Memorial , tour the aircraft hangars of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum , and stand on the decks of the "Mighty Mo" battleship where Imperial Japan formally surrendered in 1945. Pearl Harbor was once known as Wai Momi, or pearl waters, because of its abundant oyster beds.

11. Upcountry Maui, Maui

On the slopes of Haleakalā are the quaint towns of Kula and Makawao, collectively known as Upcountry Maui. Up here, the air is crispier, and the vibe is slower. Pick fresh strawberries in season at Kula Country Farms , wander around the fragrant Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm , or feed goats at Surfing Goat Dairy. This area is famous for its paniolo , or Hawaiian cowboys.

Detour : Not many visitors know that grapes are grown here. Open since 1974, MauiWine produces wines made from estate-grown grapes, pineapples and raspberries. Visit its tasting room at the picturesque ʻUlupalakua Ranch.

12. Waimea Canyon, Kauaʻi

Called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon, with its buttes, crags and earthen colors, stretches 10 miles long, is 1 mile wide and is more than 3600ft deep. Stop at the Waimea Canyon Lookout for sweeping views of the canyon and the 800ft Waipoʻo Falls . But you can also experience the canyon via numerous hiking trails, on horseback and from a helicopter. Any way you see it, it's breathtaking.

Detour : The best trails are located within the 4345-acre Kōkeʻe State Park . The cost is $5 per person (nonresident) and $10 per car. From the park, you can stop at the Kalalau Lookout at 4120ft above the Nāpali Coast, with commanding views of the lush, amphitheater-headed Kalalau Valley. Camping is available, and the restaurant is worth a stop (but note: it only serves breakfast and lunch.)

13. South Kona, Hawaiʻi Island

Head south from Kailua-Kona, and you'll be in coffee country. This area – Kaʻawaloa (Captain Cook), Hōnaunau, Kāʻu – is known for its high-quality coffee grown exclusively in this high elevation and volcanic soils on the slopes of Hualālai Volcano. There are hundreds of farms here, and many offer guided tours and free tastings. Hōlualoa is a small artsy town with cute shops. Kealakekua Bay in the region of Captain Cook provides some of the island's best snorkeling. And Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a sacred place of refuge that you wander on a half-mile walking tour.

Detour : In Keauhou, you can dive at night with the gentle manta rays that swim along this coastline. Seeing these graceful giants glide and twirl in the water with you is an experience you won't likely forget.

14. ʻIolani Palace, Oʻahu

Built in 1882 under King David Kalākaua, ʻIolani Palace in Downtown Honolulu is the only royal residence in the US. It took three years to complete at a cost of $343,595, with Hawaiʻi's first electric light system, flush toilets and intra-house telephones. The last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom – King Kalākaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani – resided here until the overthrow of the kingdom in 1893. You can tour this American Florentine-style palace and see its throne rooms, dining rooms and the private living quarters of the royal family.

Detour : Walk to nearby Chinatown and browse the markets or eat at one of the many restaurants – ranging from Korean takeout to poke bowls to restaurants run by James Beard Award-winners and nominees – in this neighborhood.

15. Molokini, Maui

Three miles off shore from Wailea on Maui is Molokini Crater, known for its deep, crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. This crescent-shaped islet is a marine preserve, home to more than 250 species of tropical fish. The only way to get to this popular snorkeling and diving site is by boat.

Planning tip : While the boat ride out to Molokini is typically smooth, the journey back can be tumultuous. If you're prone to seasickness, either sit in the center of the boat where it's more stable or take some motion-sickness remedies.

16. Kailua, Oʻahu

A quick 15-minute drive from Honolulu, Kailua seems like a world away. The beach town is built around Kailua Beach , a powdery-white stretch of sand that runs 2.5 miles long. People fish, surf, kayak, swim and paddle canoes in these waters. Nearby Lanikai Beach , with its unobstructed views of the Mokulua Islands, is another popular stop for beach lovers. It's smaller and more secluded than Kailua Beach, but often more crowded because of its reputation for calm waters and gorgeous vistas. The town itself boasts popular restaurants, boutiques, local breweries and a great locally-owned independent bookshop called Bookends.

Planning tip : Consider exploring Kailua town by bike. You can rent one from The Bike Shop . (There's no city-run bike-sharing on this side of the island.) The shop has a range of cruisers, mountain bikes and road bikes for rent, complete with helmets and bike locks. Electra cruises – the most popular bikes – start at $18 for up to four hours. You can book online and pick it up at the shop.

17. Old Lahaina Lūʻau, Maui

Open in 1986, the locally owned Old Lahaina Lūʻau on Maui has been a favorite lūʻau for decades, showcasing traditional hula , music and food. It's located right on the ocean off Front Street in Lahaina with great sunset views. Tickets include live entertainment, an open bar, historical storytelling and chanting, and an all-you-can-eat buffet with Hawaiian staples like lau lau, kālua pig, poi and poke .

18. Hanauma Bay, Oʻahu

This protected nature preserve in East Honolulu is one of the best spots to snorkel on Oʻahu . About 400 species of fish inhabit this bay, along with honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) and the occasional endangered Hawaiian monk seal. There are restrictions for access to this popular bay: online reservations are required , and it costs $25 per person for non-Hawaii residents 13 years and older. Parking is another US$3 per car. The bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Planning tip : You can rent snorkel gear at the bay, so you don't have to lug your own. While you can walk down the steep road to the beach, you can also opt to take the free tram (we recommend that on the way back to your car).

Least known of all the Hawaiian Islands – and the smallest inhabited island – Lanaʻi is an ideal escape. Stay in luxurious resorts with world-class amenities fronting the beautiful and secluded Hulopoʻe Beach , a designated marine preserve filled with colorful fish and sometimes spinner dolphins. Or explore the rest of the island – the wild and windswept 8-mile Shipwreck Beach (complete with an actual shipwreck), the ancient fishing village of Kaunolū , or visit the strange landscape of Keahikawelo (Garden of the Gods).

Planning tip : If you want to venture outside the resorts of Lanaʻi City, you'll need to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle. There's no public transportation or ride-sharing on the island.

This article was first published Jun 18, 2021 and updated Mar 5, 2024.

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11 best family resorts in Hawaii for a relaxing vacation 

Hawaii is a clear choice for families looking to take a tropical beach vacation in the U.S. Each Hawaiian island is unique, as are the family-friendly beachfront resorts on those islands. Whether you're looking for an upscale luxury oasis or a laid-back beach retreat, you'll find it among the islands' varied options.

Related: The best family beach vacation destinations to kick off summer

No matter which Hawaiian island or resort you choose, you are guaranteed to experience Hawaii's "Spirit of Aloha," with island-inspired food made with local ingredients and opportunities to learn about Hawaii's rich heritage and culture, with some educational activities that are designed specifically for kids.

If you are planning your first family trip to Hawaii or just looking for the next spot to try, we've taken the guesswork out of choosing a resort with these 11 family-friendly resorts across Hawaii, from the Big Island to Kauai.

Top family hotels in Oahu

For some travelers, Oahu is synonymous with the high-rise hotels lining beautiful Waikiki Beach, but there are family-friendly resorts all over the island. The good news is that no matter where you stay, a vacation in Oahu tends to be less expensive than on other Hawaiian islands.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa is directly on Waikiki Beach and within walking distance of the city's open-air shopping and dining center, the Waikiki Beach Walk. While we encourage you to explore beyond just Waikiki, this can be the perfect location if you are looking for a beach retreat on Oahu that's not too far from the excitement of the city.

The hotel opened in 1901, and its history shines through in the Victorian-era architecture and select guest rooms inspired by the hotel's opening-day design and decor. The hotel has 793 rooms total, including 46 suites, divided among the historic Banyan Wing, the beach-adjacent Diamond Wing and the larger, modern rooms in the Tower Wing.

The hotel's pool is simple compared to some of the large pool complexes in Hawaii, but it has fantastic beach views. You can easily pop back and forth between the pool and the beach all day long, especially if you rent a poolside cabana or an umbrella and chairs on the sandy beach. You can also take to the ocean on a surfboard, stand-up paddleboard or bodyboard. Outrigger canoe charters and surf lessons are also available. Guests can book all of these at the Aloha Beach Services kiosk at the hotel.

The Moana Surfrider also has a spa, beachfront yoga classes, historical tours, hula classes and more. Also, your family will never go hungry with the hotel's five restaurants and a handful of lounges and cafes.

Rates at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa start at around $300 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

If your family loves Hawaii and visiting Disney, you'll likely enjoy a stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu. Even if you aren't a "Disney family," you can still love this resort.

For example, you can spend your time meeting Disney characters, eating Mickey waffles and participating in activities like animation classes and watching outdoor Disney movie screenings. Or, you can just lounge by the beach, snorkel in the hotel's private lagoon and participate in fun and educational activities like lei making and hula lessons led by local artisans and cultural experts.

Kids ages 4 to 12 can visit the 5,200-square-foot kids club called Aunty's Beach House. Games, arts and crafts, movies and surprise character experiences are included in the cost of your stay, with some premium activities available for an additional fee.

The resort also has six pools with waterslides and hidden grottos, a full-service spa, two restaurants, three lounges and quick-service options when you are out and about by the beach or the pool. Guest rooms range from standard one-king or two-queen rooms to villas that sleep up to 12 guests with as many as three bedrooms.

Pro tip: You can even book some of the room types by renting Disney Vacation Club points for even less than the cost of booking directly with Disney with cash.

Rates at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa start at around $569 per night when booked with cash or from about $336 if booked with rented points from a site like David's Vacation Club .

Guests of the only luxury resort on Oahu's North Shore have come to expect luxe accommodations, authentic Hawaiian experiences and dining options and unforgettable tropical adventures. Luckily, Turtle Bay Resort delivers on those promises … and then some.

Families visiting the resort can experience the true essence of Hawaii with beachfront horse and pony rides, surf lessons, a "surfing with dogs" experience (yes, you read that right), mermaid lessons, canoe tours, scavenger hunts and more. Some experiences require an additional fee.

The hotel's pool deck has large family-size cabanas available to rent, giving parents a comfortable place to lounge and kids a shady spot to relax before hopping back in the main pool or the kids' pool with waterslides.

Guest rooms are bright and airy, with ocean views and large murals depicting beachy scenes. Suites and oceanfront bungalows are also available.

Rates at Turtle Bay Resort start at around $707 per night.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is a sprawling resort in the heart of Waikiki, with direct access to Duke Kahanamoku Beach and views of the iconic Diamond Head volcanic cone.

The hotel has eight towers (though three of those are dedicated to Hilton Grand Vacations) and more than 2,800 guest rooms, so you will want to build in travel time for traversing the resort — or choose a room in the Rainbow Tower, which is closest to the beach and pool area if that is where you plan to spend most of your time.

The resort has five outdoor pools, waterslides and a saltwater lagoon for swimming, paddleboarding and other water activities. If you can pull your kids away from the water, the hotel also holds hula and lei-making lessons, fitness classes, fish feeding and luau feasts with traditional Samoan, Tahitian and Hawaiian dancing every Sunday through Thursday.

In addition to the lagoonside luau feast, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has nearly 20 restaurants, cafes and lounges, so you are never too far from your next meal or drink.

Rates at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort start at around $250 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Top family hotels in Maui

Maui is quieter and more secluded than Oahu, offering families off-the-beaten-path beaches and outdoor adventures. The resorts here are on the pricier side, but they have the amenities, accommodations and spectacular views to merit the higher price tag.

This luxury hotel boasts 446 guest rooms and suites across 54 acres of vibrant green gardens, crystal-clear pools and turquoise ocean waters. The resort's newest rooms, the Fire Lanai Collection, have lanais with private fire pits. Club-level rooms come with a dedicated concierge, a lounge with gourmet food and drinks, activities like cooking demonstrations and cocktail classes, and rooms with beautiful ocean views. Because the resort is so large, there are plenty of dining options and activities to choose from around the grounds.

You can choose to spend your day swimming in the massive three-tiered, heated pool with a kids' splash area, hiking the area's coastal trails, surfing or paddleboarding at one of six nearby bays and beaches, or participating in cultural programming, including a nightly sunset ceremony, hula lessons, origami classes and more. There's also environmental children's programming for kids ages 5 to 14 available for an additional cost.

Guest rooms have lavish marble bathrooms, dark wood floors, neutral furnishings and pops of colorful, island-inspired decor. Rooms have large soaking tubs (always a favorite with kids) and private lanais, some with fire pits.

Rates at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua start at around $760 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Note: Due to the Maui wildfires , the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is only accepting reservations for stays starting on Nov. 17, 2023, and later.

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is directly on the world-renowned Ka'anapali Beach. The only thing standing between you and Maui's best beach is a large lagoon-style pool with waterfalls and a water playground for kids, so you can easily bounce back and forth between the pool and the sea all day long.

The resort has 779 guest rooms and 31 suites, all of which have private lanais and sliding glass doors so that you can enjoy the views whether you are inside or outside of your room. Regency Club access rooms come with exclusive lounge access and evening hors d'oeuvre service.

In addition to four on-site restaurants and a coffee shop, guests can attend the resort's Drums of the Pacific Luau on select nights each week. The luau features authentic dances, a delicious meal and an exciting Samoan fireknife finale.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa start at around $760 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Wailea Beach Resort offers a laid-back, casual retreat with access to not one but two beaches. The resort has a long list of family-friendly features, including multiple pools (one of which has kid-friendly splash play areas and Maui's longest waterslide), a kids club for children ages 5 to 12, a movie screening room with giant beanbag chairs, a game room and complimentary cultural activities.

Guest rooms are simple yet stylish, with ocean-inspired artwork and neutral-colored furnishings. Each of the resort's 547 rooms has a lanai, and select ground-floor rooms have large furnished lanais with direct access to the hotel's outdoor areas.

Families can dine on Hawaiian-inspired fare at the poolside open-air Kapa Bar & Grill or the Mo' Bettah Food Truck. Parents can get their caffeine fix at the resort's Starbucks location or have a romantic evening away from the kids at Humble Market Kitchin, which offers panoramic views of the beach. The resort also hosts a luau five nights a week.

Rates at Wailea Beach Resort currently start at $720 or 73,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

If your family is in the market for an upscale island retreat that fully embraces Hawaii's natural beauty and distinct culture, you'll find exactly the vacation you crave at the Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort .

Guest rooms look out over the ocean or the resort's gardened grounds, and all rooms have private lanais. Standard rooms are closest to the resort activities and restaurants, or you can upgrade to a Napua room or suite with contemporary Hawaiian design and access to a private lounge with three daily dining times and live entertainment.

Families can spend time together at the huge Wailea Canyon Activity Pool — a six-level pool connected by waterslides, a lazy river, waterfalls, caves, a rope swing and the world's only water elevator. Kids can also pick up a "Grand Passport" that lists all of the kid-friendly cultural activities around the resort, including garden tours, kukui nut bracelet-making and more.

The resort's dining options have something for all palates, from sushi in the Botero Lounge to tacos and wood-fired pizzas at Aloha Trick Pony and a luau on select nights . Breakfast is served buffet-style at Ikena, a unique indoor-outdoor restaurant space.

Rates at Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort start at around $830 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Your kids may not have seen the first season of " The White Lotus ," but there's a pretty good chance you've heard of it. Now, you can stay at the very hotel where the show was filmed and enjoy the same luxury accommodations, upscale amenities and delicious local dining … without any of the drama.

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is a luxury beachfront resort offering an idyllic escape that is still family-friendly. Like many Four Seasons properties, this resort participates in Kids for All Seasons, a complimentary, supervised program for kids ages 5 to 12. The hotel also has a seasonal counselor-led program for tweens and teens where they can participate in outdoor activities like outrigger canoe paddling.

While the kids play, parents can participate in yoga classes, indulge in a spa treatment (or two), relax on the beach or swim in the adults-only pool. From fine dining at Wolfgang Puck's Spago to casual fare at the pool bar, all of the resort's restaurants are open-air, so you never have to leave behind the ocean views.

The 383 guest rooms and suites are stylish and sophisticated, with views of either the ocean or the radiant gardens. From the hotel's elevated location, you may even be lucky enough to see whales splashing in the ocean from your lanai during wintertime.

Rates at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea currently start at around $1,400 per night.

Top family hotels in Kauai

Kauai, known as the Garden Island, offers families the best of the beach and the island's emerald green peaks and valleys. It takes only about an hour to drive from the south end of the island to the north end, giving families the opportunity to see favorite landmarks like Hanalei Bay, Waimea Canyon State Park and Kalalau Lookout, depending on where you stay.

On Kauai's beautiful, tranquil north shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is just as serene as its island location. The resort grounds more than live up to the island's "Garden Isle" nickname, with towering palm trees dotting the landscape and colorful tropical foliage around every turn.

The resort has a long list of family-friendly amenities, including lei making, fish feeding, a children's pool with splash features and a mini waterslide, a larger cliffside plunge pool, multiple dining options and a grab-and-go market with snacks, Starbucks coffee and essentials you may have forgotten at home, like diapers or sunscreen.

Because of the resort's cliffside location, there is no direct beach access, but beautiful Hanalei Bay is only a 10-minute drive away.

Unlike most resorts, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas does not charge resort fees and offers complimentary internet access. Guest room sizes range from studio villas to two-bedroom villas, and all suites have separate sleeping and living areas and private outdoor lanais.

Rates at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas start at around $400 or 76,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is regarded by many as one of Hawaii's most beautiful and accommodating resorts for families. From the lush, tropical landscaping to the spacious guest rooms, multilevel pools and private saltwater lagoon, there's so much for families to see and do at this beautiful resort.

The hotel has 605 rooms and suites, all with a private patio or lanai from which to enjoy your ocean or garden view. Outside of your room, the hotel has a massive pool complex with multilevel pools, a lazy river, "secret" caves, a saltwater lagoon and a 150-foot waterslide. There are also areas for water volleyball or basketball and a quiet adults-only pool.

The hotel also has a fabulous spa with private open-air treatment villas and six on-site restaurants, ranging from poolside grab-and-go options to modern Hawaiian cuisine at Tidepools, where you can dine in bungalows floating above a koi-filled lagoon. There's also a club lounge, which is one of the best in the country. The hotel also hosts a twice-weekly luau on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Pro tip: You can use points to book access to the club lounge if you don't have Hyatt Globalist status.

Rates at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa start at around $870 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Best credit cards for booking hotels in Hawaii

There are over a dozen excellent travel rewards credit cards out there for hotel stays. The right one(s) for you will depend on if you're loyal to a particular program or chain, whether you want premium perks, and if you value benefits like annual free nights , automatic elite status and lucrative earning rates.

Here are three great credit cards to use for booking stays across a variety of hotel chains and independent properties while still enjoying money-saving features and high-end benefits, though.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earning rates: This card earns 5 points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year). Plus, you'll earn 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel . All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar spent. Remember, Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 rate, and there are sometimes transfer bonuses.

Benefits: This card is absolutely packed with perks, but among the travel-related ones you'll want to maximize, including some hotel-specific benefits, are:

• Up to a $200 annual hotel credit , in the form of a statement credit, on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum (Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum).*
• Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection .
• Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy .*
• Up to $200 in statement credits annually for incidental fees charged by one airline you select.*
• Up to $200 annually in Uber Cash , valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly $15 credits plus a $20 bonus in December).*
• Up to $189 in statement credits to cover your Clear Plus annual membership .*
• A $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an up to $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4½ years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first).
• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection , including Centurion Lounges , Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights; limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025).*

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees ).

Read our review of the Amex Platinum card .

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Earning rates: Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel , 5 miles per dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel and unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases

Benefits: Cardholders get up to $300 in credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel, plus 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel). Through the Capital One Premier Collection , cardmembers can enjoy free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available) on stays at participating properties booked through Capital One Travel. They also receive up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry .

Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees ).

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X .

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Earning rates: This card accrues 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through the Chase travel portal , on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points). It also racks up 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar spent on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal; and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.

Benefits: Cardholders receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following member's anniversary. They also receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. This card also has some of the best travel protections in the industry, including trip cancellation insurance , trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage , among other policies.

Annual fee: $95.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred .

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50 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii with your Family

D reaming of traveling to hawaii find out our top 50 best places to visit in hawaii with your family, including best places to eat, top hawaii attractions , gorgeous beaches, and more.

Whether you are planning a trip to Hawaii or just wanderlusting, we can all agree that Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

From stunning beaches and cascading waterfalls to volcanoes and amazing attractions , Hawaii has it all!

Since Hawaii is our 50th State, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight 50 of the coolest places to visit in Hawaii.

Some of these places to visit in Hawaii are for adventurers , some for budget travelers , and many of them are kid-friendly.

So, if you’re wondering where to go in Hawaii , keep scrolling for some of the most popular (and the most underrated) Hawaii vacation spots!

Get my 50 fun facts about Hawaii for kids !

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii Itineraries complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

50 best places to visit in hawaii with your family.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Hawaii for families:

1. Road to Hana

I had to start this list with one of my favorite places in Hawaii. The Road to Hana is way more about the journey than the destination.

On this famous winding road, you’ll see gorgeous gardens, beautiful waterfalls, and taste some of the best banana bread in Maui!

You can easily rent a car and drive it yourself, or there are tons of Road to Hana tours you can sign up for. This Maui day trip is very popular with families, budget travelers, hikers, couples, and solo travelers.

It is easily one of the top places to visit in Hawaii.

Read my full Road to Hana guide

2. Diamond Head

If you look up from Waikiki Beach , you can’t miss Diamond Head. This iconic mountain is the backdrop of many Hawaiian postcards.

Hiking Diamond Head is a popular thing to do near Waikiki. The hike itself isn’t very strenuous (there are a ton of stairs) and it provides an unbelievable view.

Pro tip: Get there early to beat the heat (and the crowds!)

As of May 12th, 2022, all out-of-state visitors must have an advanced reservation to enter Diamond Head State Monument. Make your reservations HERE .

One of the most gorgeous parts of Kauai is the North Shore . Hanalei is a cute North Shore surf town that is packed with incredible food, shave ice , boutiques, and more.

But, one of the best things to do in Hanalei is hang out at Hanalei Bay. The water is super calm and it’s perfect for Stand Up Paddling or for families looking for a kid-friendly Kauai beach.

Hanalei is one of the best places to vacation in Hawaii during the summer.

Click here for step-by-step Kauai travel planning help

4. Polynesian Cultural Center

If you’re looking for one of the top attractions on Oahu, look no further than the Polynesian Cultural Center up in Laie on the North Shore .

Here, you’ll get to explore 6 different Polynesian Villages, participate in hands-on activities (like crafts and dancing), watch incredible performances, ride on a canoe, and more.

Plus, they offer a fun luau and the most beautiful theatrical presentation called Ha: Breath of Life .

It’s one of my top things to do in Hawaii with kids!

Book your Polynesian Cultural Center tickets

5. Haleakala National Park

One of the most unique places in Hawaii is Haleakala National Park on Maui. Here, the landscape resembles Mars more than your typical Hawaiian landscape.

The drive up takes you through Upcountry Maui (which is stunning) and people like to spend the day h iking and checking out their cool visitor center.

But, one of the most popular things to do in Maui is to see the sunrise from Haleakala Crater. You can drive up yourself or hop on a Haleakala Sunrise tour . Find the best prices here .

And if you are a cyclist, Haleakala is the most famous mountain to bike down in Hawaii. Check out the latest prices and more details .

If you’re heading to Maui, you’ll definitely one to check out Haleakala. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Hawaii.

Pro tip: Bring a warm coat or blanket as it gets VERY chilly!

Click here for step-by-step Maui travel planning help

6. Pali Lookout

There are tons of fantastic scenic lookouts in Hawaii, but the one that is the most fun is Nu’uanu Pali Lookout on Oahu. It’s one of the windiest places and it literally feels like you could blow away!

It also has a big Hawaiian historical significance. This is where King Kamehameha I won the Battle of Nu’uanu and united the island of Oahu under his rule of Hawaii.

Hundreds of Hawaiian soldiers were forced off the sheer cliffs surrounding this area. There are plaques around this lookout explaining more about the battle.

It’s another one of the cool Hawaii places to visit.

Click here for step-by-step Oahu travel planning help

7. Wishing Well Shave Ice

One of the top things to eat in Hawaii is shave ice. But, not all shave ice places are the same.

Wishing Well Shave Ice in Hanalei, Kauai features all-natural, organic fresh fruit syrups and delectable toppings.

Their products are locally sourced and sustainable and they offer some of the best shave ice on Kauai .

It’s by far one of my favorite things to do on Kauai for under $10 !

One of the most well-known places in Hawaii is Waikiki ! This is where you’ll find some of the top hotels, restaurants, and shopping on Oahu.

But, Waikiki is most famous for its beach. The waves are pretty calm and the water is clear, which makes Waikiki perfect for families and beginner surfers.

Plus, there are tons of beachfront restaurants where you can listen to live music while sipping a tropical drink and enjoying the sunset.

It’s no wonder that many people claim Oahu as the best Hawaiian island for a family vacation.

Waikiki is one of the best places to stay in Hawaii if you don’t want to rent a car. There are tons of tours with Waikiki shuttles and there are a bunch of open-air trolleys that go around the area.

You’ll definitely want to explore Waikiki at least once as it is easily one of the best vacation spots in Hawaii.

Read my top 25 things to do in Waikiki with kids

9. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hoping to see lava in Hawaii? Your best bet is at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii.

You’ll actually find several Hawaii tourist attractions here. You can explore on your own or join a Big Island lava tour.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has tons of hiking trails, an awesome museum, lava tubes, camping spots, tons of special ranger programs, and more. It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots on the Big Island.

Read my full guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

10. I’ao Needle

One of the coolest things to see on Maui is just minutes from the airport. I’ao Needle is located in I’ao Valley State Park.

There is an easy trail you can walk to get up to a viewing platform. The trail is kid-friendly and has cool things to see along the way.

Advance reservations to enter the I’ao Valley State Monument are now available online . The parking fee is $10 per vehicle. The additional non-resident entrance fee is $5 per person with no charge for children under three years old.

Pro tip: Don’t forget bug spray!

11. Pearl Harbor

One of the most famous historical sites in Hawaii is Pearl Harbor. This is where the Japanese attacked the United States and brought the United States into World War II.

Today, it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Honolulu.

Most people come to Pearl Harbor to pay their respects at the U.S.S. Arizona. There’s also a riveting aviation museum , a submarine, the Battleship Missouri and so many other things to see at Pearl Harbor .

You can visit on your own or join a Pearl Harbor tour . Check out the latest prices and more details.

Visiting Pearl Harbor is one of the best things to do in Hawaii!

Pro Tip: There are 1300 free tickets for the U.S.S. Arizona available each morning, but you have to get there early to snag one!

Get My FREE Hawaii e-Book!

Our exclusive Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Activities in Hawaii is your treasure map to the most exciting, kid-approved adventures across the islands.

If you are looking for a great waterfront restaurant in Hawaii, head to Duke’s . Named after legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s serves great meals with an island twist.

They are most famous for their decadent Hula Pie. Hula Pie is made with rich macadamia nut ice cream piled high on a chocolate cookie crust and topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and a bunch more macadamia nuts.

It’s enormous and can easily be shared with an entire family.

What’s extra cool is that you can find Duke’s locations in Waikiki, Maui, and Kauai!

It’s one of the places in Hawaii to visit for a delicious meal during your trip.

13. Waimea Canyon

Did you know Hawaii has its own Grand Canyon? Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is on Kauai and is absolutely spectacular.

Visitors love coming here to hike the many trails or take a helicopter ride to see secret waterfalls.

But, families can easily park and take a short walk to the viewing platform for epic views of this natural wonder.

Plus, there’s usually a booth in the parking lot selling fresh fruit and yummy snacks!

Waimea Canyon is another one of the top Hawaii travel spots to enjoy on Kauai!

14. Ala Moana Center

With more than 350 shops and restaurants, Ala Moana Center on Oahu is the world’s largest open-air shopping center. They have department stores, luxury retailers, local boutiques, and more.

Visiting Ala Moana Center is one of the easiest things to do in Honolulu with kids.

They have some incredible free programming, including a fantastic hula show on their stage. Plus, they just opened an awesome play area for kids.

15. Molokini Crater

If you’re looking to do some snorkeling in Hawaii, Molokini Crater is one of the top Maui snorkeling spots .

This crescent-shaped island is located just off the coast of Maui and can only be accessed by boat. People love coming here to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and other amazing tropical sea life.

There are lots of Molokini Snorkeling Tours you can sign up for to get the full experience. Check out the latest prices and more details .

Because of Molokini Crater, Maui could be considered the best Hawaiian island for kids who love snorkeling.

It is the perfect place to go snorkeling during your Hawaii family vacation.

Read my full post about Molokini Crater .

16. Leonard’s Malasadas

One of the most popular pastries in Hawaii is Portuguese malasadas and the most famous Hawaiian bakery to find them is Leonard’s Bakery on Oahu.

Basically, malasadas are giant donut holes that are rolled in cinnamon and sugar. But, Leonard’s also fills them with yummy tropical fillings like haupia (coconut cream), lilikoi (passion fruit), guava, and more!

They are perfect as a quick breakfast or a tasty after-dinner treat. Because it is one of the most popular places in Hawaii for malasadas, be sure to arrive early!

Want to make your own malasadas? Try my coconut-filled malasadas recipe !

17. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Located on the Big Island, this national park was once a place of refuge for lawbreakers and where many powerful chiefs once lived.

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is immersed in Hawaiian culture and is also one of the most sacred historic places in all of Hawaii.

Make sure you check out the Royal Grounds, Keoneele Cove , and the Heiau while you are there.

Read my full Guide to Kona .

18. Poipu Beach

The South Shore of Kauai has some pretty fabulous beaches, but one of the best ones is Poipu Beach .

Not only does it feature lots of sandy beach and shallow water perfect for little kids, but it’s also one of the best locations in Hawaii to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles as well as Monk Seals.

Read my top 25 things to do in Poipu, Kauai

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

19. Iolani Palace

Did you know the only royal palace in the United States is located on Oahu? Yep, Iolani Palace was once home to King Kalakaua, the last king of Hawaii.

They have self-guided and small group tours and they are absolutely fascinating.

Visitors get to see how the palace was set up in the late 1800s, and hear all about why Queen Liliuokalani wrote the haunting song “Aloha Oe.” It’s definitely one of the cool places in Hawaii to explore.

Read my full guide to Iolani Palace in Hawaii .

20. Maui Swap Meet

While Oahu has the popular Aloha Swap Meet, I actually prefer the smaller Maui Swap Meet in Kahului. It has a great mix of local designers and small Maui businesses.

It’s located at the community college and you can easily walk around the entire Swap Meet in about an hour, making it a fun stop while you are exploring Maui.

It’s one of the best places for Maui shopping .

21. Lanikai Beach

When you think of Hawaii, chances are you’re picturing Lanikai Beach on Oahu without even realizing it.

That’s because it’s been named one of the best beaches in the world and has been heavily photographed.

What’s awesome about Lanikai Beach is that the sand is super soft and the water is calm enough for beginner swimmers.

Plus, it’s one of the best kayaking spots on Oahu , specifically because you can paddle out to these little islands off the coast!

It is one of the top Hawaii places to go you’ll want to enjoy during your Oahu vacation.

22. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is located on the Big Island and is a spiritual and historical place to visit.

Etched on lava rock by ancient Hawaiians, hundreds of petroglyphs can be found in this park. There are also two popular fishponds and great hiking trails in the park.

Chances are, you’ll come across Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and other wildlife while on the beach too.

23. Dole Plantation

While this is a very touristy spot on Oahu, it’s also one of the tastiest.

Dole Plantation is located on the iconic North Shore of Oahu and has lots of fun things to do like navigate a pineapple maze and ride a little train around the plantation.

This is also one of the few places in Hawaii where you can get Dole Whip. Yes, it’s the same tasty treat you’ll find at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

They have lots of fun toppings and it’s worth stopping just to enjoy this refreshing treat!

24. Glass Beach

One of the most unique beaches in Hawaii is Glass Beach in Ele Ele on Kauai. Here, visitors will find millions of little glass pebbles in colors like blue, brown, aqua, and clear.

The pebbles have been thoroughly washed and polished in the ocean for years and years and come out super smooth.

It’s a fun place to bring kids and let them collect the pebbles and sort them by color. But, be respectful and leave the glass for others to enjoy.

Glass Beach is one of the prettiest places in Hawaii to visit!

25. Da Kitchen

Hawaiian cuisine is blowing up all over the Mainland because it’s so delicious! One of the best places to eat Hawaiian food on Maui is Da Kitchen.

One of the best things to try here is their deep-fried Spam musubi. It’s a traditional Spam musubi that has been coated with panko and deep-fried for a crunchy, salty, slightly sweet snack.

They also make incredible kalbi ribs and amazing desserts. They have a location in Kihei.

26. Bishop Museum

While you might not necessarily be thinking of going to a museum in Hawaii, you’ll definitely want to check out the Bishop Museum on Oahu.

This is where you’ll find more than 24 million historical, cultural, and natural treasures of Hawaii. They have a ton of Hawaiian cultural exhibits and programs as well as an incredible planetarium.

It’s perfect for rainy days in Hawaii or those days when you need to get out of the sun.

The Bishop Museum is just one of the reasons that Oahu is often considered the best Hawaiian island for families who love activities and attractions. Read our full guide to the Bishop Museum on Oahu HERE .

27. Kalaupapa National Park

Another unique place to go in Hawaii is Kalaupala National Park on Molokai.

This is where King Kamehameha V sent people with leprosy (also called Hansen’s disease) to live out the rest of their lives in isolation.

Today, visitors can go to Kalaupapa (via mule ride) to learn about the people, places, and stories of the people who lived there.

There is a living community, cemeteries, archeological artifacts, and a museum. It’s another one of the great places to visit in Hawaii with family.

It’s really easy to do a Maui to Moloka’i day trip or you can check out our full Hotel Moloka’i review .

28. Haleiwa Town

Haleiwa is located on the North Shore of Oahu and is well-known as the surfing capital of the world. It’s part of Hawaii’s Seven-Mile Miracle.

It offers some of the best surfing in Hawaii and people travel from all over the globe to participate in surfing competitions here.

Even if you aren’t a surfer, you’ll want to head to Haleiwa to soak up the chill surf town vibe.

From boutique shopping and incredible food trucks to stunning beaches and waterfalls , the North Shore attracts families, adventurers, hipsters, and more.

It’s one of the top Hawaii destinations on Oahu, so be sure to visit!

Read about the Best Things to do in Haleiwa

29. Coconut’s Fish Cafe

Hawaii has some of the freshest seafood and it should come as no surprise that they also have some of the best fish tacos.

Coconut’s Fish Cafe has the best fish tacos I’ve ever had in Hawaii. The tortillas are piled high with 17 ingredients, including fresh fish, vegetables, and an amazing mango slaw.

Their original location is in Kihei, Maui but they recently opened one on Kauai. It’s one of the top places to go in Hawaii for some ono fish tacos!

30. Toa Luau

One of the top things to do on a Hawaiian vacation is attend a luau. But, not all luaus are the same.

Toa Luau is one of the most authentic and intimate luau experiences on Oahu. It’s located inside Waimea Valley and your luau ticket gets you access to the park where you can swim at the base of a waterfall. Find the best prices here.

And the luau itself is incredible! Tons of hands-on activities, great food, and a wonderful family vibe. You can read my full Toa Luau review to see why it is Hawaii best places to visit for a luau.

Book your Toa Luau tickets

31. Akaka Falls

‘Akaka Falls is located inside the ‘Akaka Falls State Park in Hawaii. The state park is located along the northeastern Hilo Coast on the Big Island and is an awesome waterfall for families.

You can follow a paved, uphill path towards the waterfall, which is about half a mile long. It’s super easy to hike with kids .

It will take you about an hour to reach the end of the path, which is lined with lush greenery and beautiful scenery. Hiking is one of the fun Hawaii things to do with kids, and this hike is totally doable with kids of all ages!

Read my full post on Big Island Waterfalls

32. Honolulu Museum of Art

With tons of impressive art from Hawaii and Asia, the Honolulu Museum of Art is not to be missed.

Not only does the Honolulu Museum of Art have an extensive collection, but it’s also home to  Hawaii’s largest independent arthouse theatre.

And they offer educational programs and art classes for all levels of budding artists, gallery hunts for children, and special events like ARTafterDARK and Family Sunday which happen once a month throughout the year.

Read my full post on the Honolulu Museum of Art

33. Laniakea Beach (aka Turtle Beach)

Laniakea Beach , typically known as Turtle Beach, is along the North Shore of Oahu . It is famous for seeing the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles sunbathing along the sand and swimming in the ocean, making it another one of the best places to go in Hawaii for families.

You can also go snorkeling at the beach and watch the turtles in the water, along with other tropical fish. Turtles like the area because it has a lot of coral and rocks.

And there are volunteers on the beach who can tell you more about the turtles and answer any questions you might have.

Read my full post on Turtle Beach on Oahu

34. The Shops at Kukui’ula

One of the newest places to shop on Kauai is The Shops at Kukui’ula in Poipu.

It’s an open-air shopping center with local boutiques (like SoHa Living, Malie Organics, and Mahina) as well as incredible restaurants (like Kiawe Roots, Eating House 1849, and Merriman’s Fish House.)

What’s extra cool is they have great community events like the Kauai Culinary Market, Kanikapila at Kukui’ula, and a fabulous Happy Hour.

35. Koke’e State Park

Just up the mountain from Waimea Canyon on Kauai is picturesque Kokee State Park. There are tons of hiking trails and it’s a beautiful place to camp in Hawaii .

Many amateurs and rookie bird watchers will also tell you that Kokee State Park is a top bird-watching spot on Kauai .

36. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

If you are looking for a touch of Disney on your Hawaiian vacation, head straight for Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa . It’s a fabulous (but pricey) place to stay on Oahu.

If you don’t want to pay to stay there, you can still make reservations for their Disney Character Breakfast and get your photo with Disney characters as you enjoy Mickey waffles.

It’s one of the best places in Hawaii to vacation if you love Disney!

Read my full post about how to Maximize 2 Nights at Aulani Resort

37. Ted’s Bakery

Hands down, one of the most popular Haleiwa restaurants is Ted’s Bakery .

This is where you can get delicious full breakfasts and authentic Hawaiian-style Plate Lunch, perfect for taking to the beach.

But, they are most famous for their pies. The most popular flavors include Haupia (coconut cream), Chocolate Haupia, Macadamia Nut, and Pineapple Cheese.

You can get a slice to eat there or grab an entire pie to bring back to your hotel.

Want to make your own Hawaiian cream pie? Try my recipe for Chocolate Haupia pie !

38. Maui Tropical Plantation

Want to visit a real, working plantation in Hawaii? The Maui Tropical Plantation is set on 500 acres of farmland on Maui.

It used to be a sugar cane plantation, but now it grows more than 40 different crops.

They have a little tram ride through the plantation where families can taste different tropical fruit and learn more about Hawaii’s agricultural past.

Visiting here is another one of the fun things to do in Hawaii with your kids.

39. Lanai Cat Sanctuary

Did you know there’s a place in Hawaii where you can hang out with cats? The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has become a quirky tourist attraction.

Here, visitors are invited to volunteer for a few hours or a few days. It’s an easy day trip from Maui (and you can get transportation straight from the ferry terminal .)

40. Warehouse 3540

One of the coolest places to shop locally on Kauai is Warehouse 3540 . It’s located inside a warehouse in Lawai on Kauai’s South Shore and features some of the coolest local designers and food vendors.

This is where you can find adorable baby clothes, upcycled fashion, organic skincare products, home decor and so much more.

Plus, they have an incredible burger food truck and shave ice stand out front. And they offer story time for kids.

Read my full post about Warehouse 3540 on Kauai

41. Ulupalakua Ranch

Located at the base of Mt. Haleakala, Ulupalakua Ranch is one of the most beautiful places on Maui. The drive itself through Upcountry Maui is just breathtaking and unlike any other place in Hawaii.

Once you get there, stop off at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill for tasty, locally-grown food. Or walk across the street for wine tasting at Maui Wine.

This ranch is one of the fun locations in Hawaii to visit with your family.

42. Sea Life Park

Dreaming of swimming with dolphins? Head to Sea Life Park on Oahu for unbelievable dolphin, stingray, shark, and sea lion experiences.

This is perfect for families who want to learn more about Hawaiian sea life and make some once-in-a-lifetime memories!

Plus, they even have their own luau !

Read my full guide to Sea Life Park HERE . It is easily one of the best places to visit in Hawaii with family who love seeing the dolphins.

43. Haena State Park

Up at the very end of the Road on the North Shore of Kauai sits Haena State Park. Due to frequent flooding, it’s not always accessible, but when it is, it’s totally worth the drive.

This is the starting point for the extensive Kalalau Trail (and the less intimidating Hanakapiai Trail) on the Napali Coast. It’s one of the cool things to see in Hawaii if you get the chance!

Pro Tip: On the drive up to Haena State Park, you can stop off at the wet and dry caves, which is pretty cool.

44. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

For the best shave ice on Maui , look no further than Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice . They pride themselves on using real cane sugar and fresh fruit in their syrups, making it the best place to visit in Hawaii with family if you want some shave ice.

They have tons of great combinations and sometimes you can get your shave ice topped with fresh mochi!

Read more about Maui Shave Ice Spots

45. Kualoa Ranch

Are you a big fan of Jurassic Park or Lost ? Those are just a couple of things filmed right at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu . You can check them out on their movie tour .

But, that’s not all. They also offer zip lining , a jungle tour , horseback riding , an ATV tour , and more!

One of their most popular Oahu tours is the Kualoa Ranch ATV Raptor tour. You can read my full review HERE .

Plus, Kualoa Ranch is one of the prettiest places on Oahu and it’s a popular photo spot. If you like adventure, Kualoa Ranch is one of the best places to go in Hawaii.

46. Maui Ocean Center

If you are looking for a fun, half-day adventure on Maui, the Maui Ocean Center is perfect for families. They have lots of fish tanks, touch tanks, and one of the coolest walk-through aquariums.

This 3-acre marine park offers the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. It’s a great place to see indigenous fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays, and more!

They also offer amazing cultural demonstrations throughout the week. It’s the perfect place to go on a family trip to Hawaii.

47. Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Something high on most travelers’ Hawaii bucket lists is to see a black sand beach in Hawaii.

Punaluu Beach is located on the Big Island and is one of the best places in Hawaii to experience this natural phenomenon.

The black sand is made of basalt and it’s created when the lava flows into the ocean and explodes as it cools down.

It’s worth stopping, even if it’s just to snap a quick Instagram photo of your family in Hawaii.

48. Lahaina Town

Due to the fires in 2023, Lahaina is not going to be open and is definitely not like it used to be. Be respectful and wait as Lahaina Town rebuilds.

One of the most popular towns on Maui is Lahaina. It’s located on the West Shore and this is where you’ll find tons of boutiques, restaurants, and even some luaus.

It’s also full of historical and cultural sites. Plus, several incredible banyan trees.

And if you’d like to take a boat ride (either to snorkel at Molokini or for a romantic sunset cruise) Lahaina has one of the top marinas.

Read my Top Things to do in Lahaina

49. Duke Kahanamoku Statue

One of the most famous surfers in the world is Duke Kahanamoku. There is an enormous statue that stands right at Waikiki Beach.

What makes this statue extra special is that this is where people leave their fresh flower leis before they fly home. People are always adding leis and taking photos with Duke.

This is one of the most iconic spots in Waikiki and definitely one of the most popular places to go in Hawaii.

50. Merriman’s

And I have to end this list with the very best place to get a mai tai in Hawaii: Merriman’s .

My description won’t do it justice, but basically it’s an incredibly well-made mai tai that is topped with a lilikoi foam that takes it to the next level.

Thankfully, there are Merriman’s locations on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai. So, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try one for yourself!

And they also serve them at their sister restaurant the Monkeypod Kitchen. There’s one conveniently across the street from Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa!

Want to make it at home? Try my amazing Hawaiian Mai Tai recipe !

FAQs about the Best Places to Visit in Hawaii

It really depends on what you like to do. Oahu is full of tourist attractions and sights, Kauai is great for outdoor adventures, Maui has awesome luxury resorts , and the Big Island has cool volcanoes.

Anything you like! I suggest snorkeling , scuba diving , shopping, eating local food, surfing, relaxing on the beach, zip-lining, hiking, boat trips, etc.

Yes, Hawaii is one of the most expensive U.S. states and you will either need to fly or book a cruise to get there. But, we have lots of ways to visit Hawaii on a budget !

Usually, Oahu is the best island in Hawaii for kids, mainly because it is filled with tourist attractions and tons of fun things to do with kids in Oahu . However, Maui , Kauai , and the Big Island also offer tons of kid-friendly activities too!

Best Places to Visit Hawaii Wrap-Up

Now you know where to go in Hawaii with family for your next vacation! From the best cities to visit in Hawaii to the unique places to visit in Hawaii, you will find it all here in this guide.

I hope you enjoy these best places for families in Hawaii next time you go on your family trip.

Try to see how many Hawaii sites you can explore!

More Hawaii Travel Resources

There are SO many more cool places to visit in Hawaii and we cover a bunch of them on this website. Head to our pages on Oahu , Maui , Kauai , and the Big Island for the best things to do , places to eat , and places to stay in Hawaii.

The post 50 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii with your Family appeared first on Hawaii Travel with Kids .

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3 replies to this topic

Kauai is lush and green with mountains and valley overlook you can drive to.

There won't be whales that time of year but dolphins are year round.

IMO the Big Island is too big and arduous and hot then. Maui is very expensive due in part tonthe impact of the fire.

Oahu is lovely and does have mountains and waterfalls but more driving. You could stop in Waikiki for a couple of nights to see iconic Diamond Head and Waikiki but it adds an interisland flight . Oahu does have the best healthcare facilities in the state if that's a desire.

I hope you have a lovely trip.

My thoughts to you both.

One thing you should know is that both August and September are very, very hot and humid. They are also the months we often have tropical storms or hurricanes nearby--which can wreak havoc.

I would make sure you have full CFAR insurance. Since your husband's condition is pre-existing, medical per se won't work. CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) will protect your investment if you need to cancel for any reason.

I suggest looking at the quote on Squaremouth. It's reliable and easier than plowing through lots of individual sites.

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They said her husband drowned snorkeling, but she saw him walk to shore. What happened?

A Michigan woman and her family are suing a Maui resort , the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau after her husband died while snorkeling . She doesn’t believe it was a drowning. 

Patricia and Ray Johnson, along with four friends, arrived at the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui on the evening of Feb. 23, 2022, with plans to visit multiple islands over several weeks. This was the couple’s sixth time in Hawaii, and they had snorkeled the Hawaiian waters many times in the past, Patricia told USA TODAY. 

On the morning of Feb. 25, some of the travelers, including Ray, went snorkeling around Wailea Beach, which fronts the resort, while Patricia opted to walk a trail that overlooks the beach. “I looked out, and I saw my husband and my friends or people out there,” she told USA TODAY. “I’m waving at him, and it hits me.” Patricia saw what looked like other snorkelers helping Ray. 

She hurried down to the beach, but “things deteriorated quickly.” At first, Ray had his head above water and was returning to the beach, but then the 64-year-old fell onto his back with his head “snapped back at one point” and had to be pulled in. “I knew he was gone,” she said. 9-1-1 was called, but medical professionals failed to resuscitate Ray. 

The autopsy report called Ray’s death an accidental drowning, which Patricia doesn’t believe. 

“I was watching him come in, how could he be drowning?” According to her friends who were snorkeling with him, Ray was talking and also diving down under the water. At one point, he came up and said, “You gotta help me, I’m having trouble breathing,” and that’s when he decided to head back to shore. “I don’t think when people are drowning in a conditional manner, you’re going to be conversing,” she said.

What to do in Hawaii? Locals weigh in on if these popular spots are worth the hype

By a landslide, the leading cause of death for Hawaii tourists is drowning. And of ocean drownings for residents and visitors, the majority occur when snorkeling. While the ocean is powerful and unpredictable, some advocates, including the Johnsons, are trying to bring attention to a lesser-known medical condition that specifically poses risks to snorkelers and hasn’t gotten much attention over the years: Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema (ROPE). 

The Johnson family believes ROPE is the real cause of Ray’s death, and the lawsuit alleges that Hawaii travel entities have failed to educate the public on ROPE, resulting in “an important public health concern,” according to the complaint filed in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit in the State of Hawaii in February 2024. The case should begin the fact-discovery process this week.

The Hawaiian Tourism Authority, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and Fairmont Kea Lani declined to comment on the lawsuit. 

“I would like to see warnings out there,” Patricia told USA TODAY. “I truly believe my husband would still be here if we’d been warned.” 

How is snorkeling dangerous?

Breathing through a snorkel tube is similar to pinching your nose and breathing in through your mouth. The resistance is immediate. ROPE occurs when the negative pressure on the lungs ends up sucking bodily fluids out of the capillaries and into the airways, according to Dr. Raj Dasgupta , a California-based pulmonologist. 

“That snorkel resistance to airflow,” he said. “They want to breathe in but they have to breathe through that straw.”

Once fluid is in the lungs, it becomes difficult to breathe and people can experience hypoxia, or a lack of sufficient oxygen. “You slowly become weak then into a loss of consciousness,” Dasgupta said. Underlying health conditions such as heart and lung disease also increase someone’s predisposed risk for ROPE, he said.

If a person begins to feel shortness of breath, they may panic, causing more exertion, which can be life-threatening if they’re already suffering from a lack of oxygen, Dasgupta said. 

Drowning by ROPE is “fundamentally different” than typical drowning when people are aspirating water or submerged and often showing signs of distress, the complaint said.

A lack of public awareness

In October 2017, after California woman – and avid swimmer and snorkeler – Nancy Peacock died while snorkeling in calm waters off the coast of Hawaii Island in a full-face mask and no signs of struggle, the Hawaii State Department created the Snorkeling Safety Sub-Committee to “address public concern about snorkel-related drownings.”

In a Snorkeling Safety Study led by the sub-committee, 50 different snorkels were tested, and the experts examined nonfatal and fatal drownings. The interim report released in July 2020 concluded that “ROPE-induced hypoxia is a factor in fatal and nonfatal snorkel drownings.” The study also had a survey conducted at Oahu’s most popular snorkeling spot, Hanauma Bay, but only 36 participants – mostly locals – were interviewed due to the islands being closed to travel during the pandemic. 

The high altitude from air travel impacting someone’s lungs may be a contributing factor, but there wasn’t enough evidence in the study to confirm this. Since getting to Hawaii requires at least a five-hour flight, it’s possible that fatigue and stress from flying could play a role in someone’s risk of drowning by ROPE. 

The Hawaiian Tourism Authority funded the study to “develop appropriate safety messages.” However, as of April 2024, there have not been any public-facing messages on any of the official Hawaii tourism websites. Information cards have been passed out to most Kauai and Oahu tour boat operators, the subcommittee said. Although the study is preliminary and not robust in terms of participants and even calls for further investigation, it is the only one to explore ROPE in snorkelers so far.

“Why aren’t we in Hawaii letting people know?” said Jay Stuemke, an Oahu-based attorney who filed the complaint on the Johnsons’ behalf. “Pamphlets in rooms, apps, websites, in-room videos, all types of mechanisms to warn people. It’s an easy enough thing to do. We believe had they done that, Ray would still be alive today as well as many other people.” 

Snorkeling safety tips

◾ Always snorkel with a buddy, and if you can’t swim, don’t snorkel.

◾ Choose a snorkel with a wide opening and no constrictions in the mouthpiece.

◾ Learn to use the snorkel device before venturing out into water that’s too deep to stand in.

◾ If you feel shortness of breath, stay calm, remove the snorkel and get out of the water immediately, Dasgupta said.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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13 Best Family Resorts in Hawaii, According to Parents and Travel Experts

Start planning your next getaway to one of the best family resorts in Hawaii.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort

From the Caribbean to Hawaii, there are tons of sun-kissed island destinations to consider for your next vacation. The Aloha State — one of the 50 best places to travel in 2023 , according to Travel + Leisure —  is paradise for families with stunning natural scenery, activities galore, and many kid-friendly beach resorts. 

As someone who globe-trots with an adorable tot, I’m always searching for properties that go the extra mile for guests of all ages. In Hawaii, that looks like a jam-packed daily activity schedule to keep active youngsters busy, plus kids clubs and teen hang-out zones. In terms of facilities, you’ll want a pool with a shallow end (ideally a splash pad, too), gardens to explore, and direct access to a beach with calm surf and soft sand. Spacious accommodations with room to fit pack-and-plays, cribs, or rollaway beds are a must, and amenities like mini robes and slippers, bins for diapers (when needed), and high chairs are a bonus. Kids menus and free meals for the youngest guests go a long way in keeping costs down, too. And, of course, on-site babysitting services come in handy when parents want to sneak away for a spa treatment or dinner for two. It’s a tall order, but there’s a perfect spot for every family thanks to the myriad options across the archipelago. 

Scroll on for the best family resorts in Hawaii, according to parents and travel pros.

Meet the Expert

Chris Paterson is the owner and operator of Kailani Tours Hawaii , which offers tours around the Big Island. 

Carolyn Addison is head of product at Black Tomato , a luxury travel company. 

Hawaii has experienced several devastating wildfires in 2023. While these resorts were not directly impacted, communities on the islands may still be rebuilding. We recommend you read our guide to supporting Hawaii through tourism before you visit.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea promises a luxury family vacation sans any of The White Lotus drama. One of the best resorts in Hawaii for 2023 as voted by T+L readers and a WBA Hall of Fame honoree, the prestigious property supplies five-star facilities and an extensive list of activities, from torch bearer rituals to Hawaiian star stories. The complimentary kids program keeps kiddos busy with tennis and swimming while parents peel off to the spa or serenity pool. Sophisticated, spacious accommodations can be stocked with strollers, baby monitors, high chairs, and swings, guaranteeing a stylish, comfortable space for everyone to spread out. 

Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui

Courtesy of Montage Kapalua Bay

Tucked away a bit further south on the island of Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay — also voted one of the best resorts in Hawaii by T+L readers — is well worth the splurge with a peaceful location, luxurious accommodations, and five-star amenities — including a spate of family-friendly perks. After a day of hula lessons, lei making, strumming ukuleles, nature walks, swimming like a mermaid, and collecting Montage Merit Badges with the Paintbox children’s program, kids can chow down on Hawaiian cuisine, go stargazing, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

Turtle Bay Resort, O’ahu

Courtesy of Turtle Bay

Keen to plan a vacation that will make every member of your crew as happy as a clam? Turtle Bay Resort covers 1,300 acres of natural splendor on the North Shore of O‘ahu. “Featuring seven gorgeous beaches, multiple swimming pools, oceanfront bungalows, and a wide range of activities — from snorkeling with sea turtles and learning to surf alongside a pro to horseback riding to hula lessons — the legendary property leaves families with wonderful memories to last a lifetime,” says Chris Paterson, owner and operator of Kailani Tours Hawaii .  

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Island of Hawaii

Courtesy of Mauna Lanai

Also voted one of the best resorts in Hawaii by T+L readers, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is a really special place for family vacations with a deeply rooted ethos that reflects the spirit of Hawaii. “Guests feel the integral connection between land and sea running through each dish at CanoeHouse, the culturally immersive activities — from cooking classes to moonlight storytelling — at the complimentary kids club, and in the beautifully decorated accommodations,” notes Carolyn Addison, head of product at Black Tomato . There’s also a world-class spa and babysitting services for when parents need a little adult time. 

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, O’ahu

Courtesy of Walt Disney World

If your kids have been begging to go to Disney World, but you’d rather jet off to Hawaii, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa , might just be the perfect solution. Situated on the leeward coast of O‘ahu, it has a beach and private saltwater snorkeling lagoon, six pools, water slides, a lazy river, and a cove splash zone. Lū’aus with a special island buffet for pint-sized palates, lei making, and hula lessons bring Hawaiian culture to guests. Kiddos still get the chance to snap photos with everyone’s favorite characters, eat Mickey waffles, and watch classic animated movies on the outdoor screen. 

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Island of Hawaii

Glamorous but not so chichi that children receive side-eyes from other guests, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai — also voted one of the best resorts in Hawaii for 2023 — attracts families with a penchant for fun and the finer things. Perched on the Kona Coast of the Big Island, the five-star property provides sandy beaches with calm waters, seven pools, a complimentary kids program, Camp Manitou for tweens and teens, and endless activities. “Want to try ukulele lessons or get a close-up look at sea creatures alongside marine biologists? It’s all possible,” adds Paterson. 

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, Island of Hawaii

Courtesy of Kona Village

“The highly anticipated Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort opened to much acclaim recently — and for good reason,” says Addison. It’s a serene, luxurious, eco-focused Big Island retreat that’s expressly perfect for multi-generational families with a warm generosity of spirit and awesome amenities. Kids stay —  and play —  in style at the private beaches, pool, and Rosewood Explorer’s Keiki Club. “In addition to kayaking, sailing lessons, paddleboarding, and an interactive cultural center, the property even has a ‘cinema under the stars’ on the sand to watch movies together."

Related: T+L’s Kona Village Review

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Maui

Courtesy of Ritz Carlton Resorts

Ranked among the best resorts in Hawaii for 2023, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua pulls out all the stops for travelers of all ages. Tucked away on 54 tropical acres, the resort boasts glistening beaches, fragrant gardens, two championship golf courses, six dining venues, luxurious residences, and a century-old pineapple plantation. Ambassadors of the Environment, a program in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, teaches younger guests to be stewards of the land and sea through hands-on experiences such as snorkeling excursions, beach cleanups, and planting native seeds.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Kauai

Courtesy of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

“I love 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay for its minimalist luxury aesthetic, commitment to sustainability, and breathtaking surroundings that seem plucked right from Jurassic Park ,” says Addison. The brand’s new oceanfront outpost on the North Shore of Kauai is also very welcoming to families. The onsite Seedlings kids club offers a plethora of activities and experiences aimed at connecting young ones with the natural world. The transformative wellness rituals at the renowned Bamford Spa are a high point for many stressed-out parents. And everyone comes together for cooking classes, yoga, surfing, and bonfires under the stars. 

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani

Families absolutely love Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui . More than just a prime spot for fun in the sun, T+L readers ranked it as one of the best resorts in Hawaii this year because of its superb amenities and accommodations. Spend your days building sandcastles on Polo Beach, swimming in the pools, taking afternoon naps in the cabanas, and snacking on sweet treats at Makana Market + Cafe. All the one-bedroom suites are large enough for a crew of four. Of course, it’s also possible to upgrade to a palatial villa with a full kitchen, private courtyard, plunge pool, and grill if that’s more your vacation style. 

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai

Courtesy of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

Endless activities and kids-oriented amenities — plus a championship golf course and a 45,000-square-foot spa — make Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa the perfect family escape, according to Paterson. Hours of splashing around in the multi-level pools and saltwater lagoon, floating down the lava-rock-lined lazy river, whizzing down the 150-foot water slide, and playing a game of water volleyball or basketball are guaranteed to tucker out kiddos. While little ones nap in the generously sized guest room, parents will enjoy reading a book on the private lanai. 

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection, Kauai

Courtesy of Koloa Landing Resort

Basking in the sun and frolicking in the water comes with the territory at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection . Located on the sunny south shore of Kauai, the family-oriented property possesses three sparkling pools — most notably for youngsters and young-at-heart adults, a 350,000-gallon main pool with water slides and cascades — a putting green, a volleyball court, a soccer field, and the largest accommodations in the area. As if all that wasn’t enough to keep keiki entertained, little explorers get binoculars, compasses, and activity books full of clues for hours of creative play.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Maui

Looking for a family-friendly place to stay in Maui ? Paterson recommends Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa because of the giant maze of pools, waterfalls, whirlpools, rope bridges, and slides. The breakfast buffet is filled with favorites like homemade pastries, pancakes, and waffles. Many of the newly renovated rooms have two queen beds — an ideal setup for teens who don’t want to share. The slow rolling waves at Ka‘anapali Beach mean days spent splashing, floating, and swimming. Lū‘aus, rooftop stargazing, and golf also rank among the highlights.

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Woman says casino is refusing to pay $1.2 million jackpot she won playing slots

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Gray News) - A woman’s win on a slot machine in Atlantic City is reportedly being called into question.

WPVI reports that Roney Beal told its investigative team that she hit a jackpot worth more than $1.2 million while playing a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Bally’s hotel-casino in February.

But the casino has refused to pay her.

According to reports, Bally’s and gaming company International Game Technology are disputing the alleged seven-figure prize, telling her that she had won due to a technical glitch.

Beal shared that everyone came around her to celebrate her big win before she hit the service button on the slot machine.

“That’s when the sentences came up ‘tilted,’” WPVI quoted Beal. “When the man came over to talk to me, he said, ‘Lady, get it in your head, you won nothing.’”

Beal shared that she was told the machine had a malfunction known as a reel tilt, which voided the win.

According to Beal, a Bally’s attendant opened the machine and asked her asked her to “spin it off,” but she refused.

Beal said the attendant then hit different buttons inside, ultimately offering her $350.

“They fooled with the machine before anybody else had the opportunity to take a look at this,” Beal’s attorney Mike Dicroce told WPVI .

He said that action by a casino attendant may have tampered with evidence of the win.

Dicroce said he has asked the New Jersey Gaming Enforcement, Bally’s and IGT, for the payout, to preserve the machine and casino floor videos for an independent forensic review.

“You invite somebody to your business. They pay the money, they win, and you’re supposed to pay. That didn’t happen,” he added.

Beal is hoping the law and some luck will help her cash in on what she believes is hers.

“Why would I ever go to a casino again in my life? Any casino? Why, if there is no hope,” she said.

Bally’s and IGT representatives have not immediately commented regarding the situation, WPVI reported.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

I paid a fortune for hotel with breathtaking views — but I’ve never felt so lied to

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Sometimes there are moments in life when if you don’t laugh, you’ll just cry, and travel influencer Clarisa Murgia experienced a cracking one of these in Italy recently.

We know we can’t always trust everything we see online and Clarisa was reminded of this the hard way after arriving at her accommodation, for what was meant to be the trip of a lifetime.

The young woman, from Argentina, had paid through the nose to stay in a room she claims was advertised as having a balcony with stunning sea views.

However, when she arrived at the B&B, what she saw outside the window wasn’t exactly the breathtaking spectacle she’d been expecting.

Instead of being able to see the beach, she was greeted with a wall, which merely featured a large poster of the sea. Below this was nothing more than an alleyway. 

Clarisa shared a video of the disappointing view on TikTok, joking that it was an ‘expectation vs reality’ situation. But she seemed in good humour about it, adding crying laughing emojis to her post.

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At the start of her clip, she filmed the view from the window at a side angle, showing that the scene depicted on the poster did indeed look real, hence why she fell for the advertisement.

However, when she moved the camera closer to the glass, the jaw-dropping truth was revealed.

‘Rented a B&B with a sea view. I feel scammed guys,’ she said. ‘No one has ever deceived me like this before, hahaha.’

Clarisa’s TikTok quickly went viral, garnering over 247,000 likes and more than 1,800 comments with many agreeing the situation was laughable.

A user named @msoto840 wrote: ‘B&B was not lying tho!! You did get ocean view.’ While @laguachayk said: ‘Stappppp. This can’t be fr?!’

@mireillerrnn joked: ‘Not even my ex lied that much’. While @ms.jackie_ posted: ‘Omg that is hilarious.’ 

And @tiktok.user7.7 couldn’t believe their eyes, adding: ‘No way.’

Others thought it was very ‘creative’ of the B&B owner to list the room in this way, while some urged people to always check a hotel’s location before making a booking, just to be on the safe side.

@ambershelbyy I’m Holling 😭😭😂🤣 ♬ original sound – amb+kross+kruz

It’s not known if Clarisa decided to stay in the room, or try and get one with a better view (if there even was one).

But she’s not the only one that’s fallen prey to sneaky advertising, as a fellow TikToker @ambershelbyy also shared a hilarious holiday fail on the video app.

Amber told viewers how she’d booked a last minute trip to New York and thought she’d paid for a room with a spectacular view of the Big Apple.

However, upon arriving, she discovered that the so-called view was actually just the Manhattan skyline printed onto the fabric of the blind on the window.

People in the comments were outraged on her behalf, stating it had to be ‘illegal’ and that the company behind the listing deserved ‘jail’.

But others thought the hotel had ‘jokes’, with @matthewmooon writing: ‘Idk, it’s funny enough to be 5 stars from me depending on what’s behind the shade.’

Others shared their own stories of being ‘duped’ by holiday advertisements, as @xleticiax3 said: ‘Girl Peru was the same way, had the Machu Pichu curtain!’

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And @_.corgi recalled visiting a hotel where they thought the beds all had headboards, but they soon found the headboards were merely painted onto the wall.

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Waipouli Beach Resorts & Spa

Hanalei Colony Resort

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

The Villas at Poipu Kai

Kauai Beach Resort & Spa

Sheraton Kauai Resort

Ali'i Kai Resort

Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy

Travel Guide

• # 1 in Best Romantic Getaways in the U.S. for 2024

Brilliant sunsets, pristine beaches, aquamarine skies – Kaua'i has mastered seduction. But the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain doesn't have to resort to over-the-top luxury or tourist traps to entice; instead, it appeals to a no-muss, no-fuss type of traveler. Resorts  are no taller than a coconut tree (literally).You prefer rural to resplendent? Kaua'i's your island – there are only two major highways, and some regions can only be explored on foot or via one of the best Kaua'i boat tours .

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